Bhutan tour - 11 days

This 10 night, 11 day tour goes from Paro to Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang and Punakha, then returns to Paro. Over the eleven days you visit dzongs, monasteries and mountain passes, and you spend time walking through villages.

The trip starts with a flight into Paro along the Himalayas, followed by a drive to Thimphu, the capital. From there the road runs through the Phobjikha Valley to Gangtey and continues east to Bumthang. The return leg goes back west through Punakha and ends in Paro.

Places on the route include Dochula Pass, Gangtey Goempa, Trongsa Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery and Chele La Pass.

About Bhutan

Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom between India and Tibet (China). Buddhism shaped its identity over many centuries, and for much of its history the country had little contact with the outside world.

Tradition says Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. In the 17th century Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified much of the country and set up the political and religious system that gave Bhutan its national identity. Ugyen Wangchuck became the first hereditary king in 1907, which started the Wangchuck dynasty. Bhutan later became a constitutional monarchy and held its first democratic elections in 2008.

Forest still covers much of the country. Communities keep building in the traditional style and practising local crafts, and you will see monasteries, dzongs and prayer flags almost everywhere you go. Festivals are held throughout the year.

Major attractions

Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital and the center of government and commerce, and it is also where modern Bhutanese life is most visible. The tour stops at Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), the King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, Pangri Zampa and the Local Crafts Bazaar.

Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley

Gangtey sits in the Phobjikha Valley, a broad valley ringed by forested hills. It is quiet, with traditional villages spread across it. Gangtey Goempa, one of the region's main monasteries, is the place to visit.

Trongsa

Trongsa is a historic town in central Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong was built in the 17th century and is one of the country's major fortress-monasteries. Ta Dzong, nearby, was first built as a watchtower and is now a museum.

Bumthang

Bumthang is made up of four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries are here, including Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong.

Mebar Tsho

Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake, is in the Tang Valley. It is a deep pool in a river, not a lake, and pilgrims come here because of its link to the treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa.

Punakha

Punakha was once Bhutan's capital and is still a religious centre. Punakha Dzong is built at the point where two rivers meet. Around it are farmland and valley views.

Paro

Paro has some of Bhutan's best-known sites: Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong and Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Taktshang Monastery, known as Tiger's Nest, is built on a cliff high above the Paro Valley. The hike up to it is the physical highlight of the tour, and the mountain views along the way are as memorable as the monastery itself.

Chele La Pass

Chele La is about 3,988 m high and is among the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The drive gives you views over the surrounding mountains, and on clear days you can see Chomolhari and other peaks.

Currency

The official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Indian Rupees are also commonly accepted, but you should still carry some Ngultrum for small purchases and local expenses.

Larger towns have ATMs and banks. In remote areas they are harder to find, so bring some cash when you travel through rural valleys and small villages.

Language

Dzongkha is the official language, and other languages and dialects are spoken in different regions. English is widely used in tourism, schools, government and business, so you can usually talk to guides, hotel staff and other tourism workers without trouble.

Permit and visa

You must complete Bhutan's visa or entry permit process before you travel, and the requirements depend on your nationality and the rules in force at the time.

Most international visitors have to book through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator, who arranges the paperwork and entry procedures. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals have separate entry requirements and should check the current rules for their own passport.

Entry policies and fees change, so confirm the current requirements before you book.

Cultural etiquette

Buddhist traditions and respect for local culture matter a great deal in Bhutan. Behave quietly and respectfully at monasteries, dzongs, temples and other religious sites.

• Dress modestly at religious and cultural sites, with shoulders and knees covered where appropriate.

• Take off your hat and shoes when asked, and follow your guide's instructions about photography.

• Walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels.

• Do not touch religious objects, statues or paintings unless you have been told you can.

• Ask before photographing monks, local people or ceremonies.

• Keep public displays of affection discreet and avoid loud behavior at sacred sites.

• Do not litter, respect local communities, and leave natural and cultural sites as you found them.